The Week of May 2, 2011

MEETINGS SCHEDULED WEEK OF:

May 2 - 6, 2011

Date & Committee/Board                           Time                                      Location

Monday - May 2

Finance                                                             4:00 P.M.                             Finance Office

Building and Grounds                                    5:00 P.M.                             RCOB

Tuesday - May 3

Open

Wednesday - May 4

Foster Care Review                                         9:00 A.M.                             General Sessions

Thursday - May 5

Planning Commission                                     7:00 P.M.                             RCOB    

Friday - May 6

Open

MY Minutes: 2011.4.25 – RC EMS Committee Meeting

Yesterday (2011.4.25), I had the opportunity to attend the Robertson County EMS Committee Meeting.

This was a special-called meeting to discuss the engagement of NorthCrest Medical Center (NMC) for a partnership of NMC and EMS. The proposal had been submitted to the committee members, but a couple of members desired to have more time to review the document.

Robertson County Schools: After the Meeting

Many of asked that I put together a post with my commentary from the joint meeting between the City of Springfield and Robertson County Schools.

I do not want to get into what was said, and what was not said. I will leave that to the great coverage provided by the Robertson County Times.

For my thoughts…..here we go:

Overall, I am encouraged.

Our Own Growth Study?

I found this story out of Cheatam County interesting. Note: I am not passing this story along for the discussion brought up by Commissioner McCarver as much as I am illustrating that the school board is engaging in some kind of “growth study.” 

The study, which will be conducted by Hastings Architecture, will look at growth issues in the north cluster as well as adding a career and technical education center at Harpeth High School in the south cluster.

We all know that the Pleasant View area is a high growth area, and it appears that their school board is taking steps to have a consulting group study the growth to help provide them recommendations.

My interest is looking at a study for our County. It may sound cliché, but it is time we think “outside the box.”   

Happy Easter, Robertson County!

Happy Easter, Robertson County! – He Is Risen!

"For this reason the Father loves Me, because I lay down My life that I may take it again.  "No one has taken it away from Me, but I lay it down on My own initiative. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This commandment I received from My Father." (John 10:17-18)

Let us take an opportunity on this Easter Sunday to remember just why we celebrate – Our Christ Has Risen!

I came across David R. Stokes’s post in the American Thinker this morning:

Today, people around the globe gather to remember, honor, and reflect on events that happened some two thousand years ago in a micro-spot on the world map. It is a good time to take a break from the relentless and, at times, tedious debate about politics and policies. Let us, for a moment at least, focus on a simple yet profound scenario -- one that can be described succinctly and received joyously.

It is called the Gospel.

The word itself comes from the idea of "good news" or "glad tidings." It is intended to convey the idea of divinely directed redemption and deliverance. It is also a reminder that there is hope -- now and in the future.

It is all too easy to get worked up into a lather over issues that polarize people. I am not suggesting that these issues lack importance, but as I read the biblical record, I find it endlessly fascinating that a small group of people, from ordinary backgrounds and with few natural gifts, could make such a difference in their world and subsequent history.

Read more here.

Enjoy your time with friends & family today.

Good Morning, Bransford Revitalization Project

I have been attending the Robertson County Chamber ofCommerce’s “Good Morning Robertson County!” since moving here years ago. You can find more about it here. It is a great way to keep up-to-speed on the current events throughout Robertson County.

Per example: This past Thursday (April 22, 2011), Greater Faith Community Action Corporation (GFCAC) shared a little about themselves, and shared specifically with regard to their “Bransford Revitalization Project” of the Bransford Community Center.

You will remember that I had previously discussed this project here.

This message from their “Bransford Revitalization Project” flyer:

The Bransford Revitalization Project is a community-wide effort to revitalize the Bransford Park area, and a vacant 6.1 acre tract behind the school consisting of the old Bransford High School. The project involves the complete renovation of the of old Bransford High School for use as a non-profit community center, and the development of the Brandsford Park as a multi-function recreational complex and community park.

The project is being organized by the Greater Faith Action Corporation (GFAC), a local 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation, in partnership with the City of Springfield, local community service agencies, and community leaders.

The complex will house a variety of needed community programs including Educational, Youth, Health & Wellness, Sports, Substance Abuse Recovery, Small Business Incubator, Soup Kitchen, and facilities for community gatherings. Community meetings will be held in the developmental stages to gather public input on programming and services desired.

…

The project  has the full support and endorsement of several key community groups including GFCAC, United Way, Bransford Alumni Association, I-Care, BYCDC, City of Springfield, Robertson County Chamber of Commerce and others.

For more information, check out the GFCAC site.

The Week of April 25, 2011

MEETINGS SCHEDULED WEEK OF

April 25, 2011 – April 29, 2011:

Date & Committee/Board           Time                       Location

Also, make note that on Monday (April 25^th) that there will be a special meeting of the RCC Fire Committee as we here from White House Fire Department Chief related to county fire services (this meeting will be located at Robertson County Offices Building – Finance Office (3rd Floor).

Monday- April 25

EMS                                                       6:00 P.M.                EMS Building

School Board Work Session              6:30 P.M.                 Board of Ed. – Central Offices          

Tuesday- April 26

OPEN

Wednesday – April 27

Safety Committee                               8:30 A.M.                County Mayor’s                       

Thursday- April 28

Appeals Board                                      6:00 P.M.               RCOB 

Highway Commission                          7:00 P.M.              Highway Office                            

Friday-April 29

Open 

County Vehicle Usage

This is a Gallatin news-story worthy of a short note. It would appear that a county automobile may have been used inappropriately.

I say that this is a news-story worthy of a short note because I have consistently heard similar inquiries about some of our own county automobiles. I know several fellow commissioners have expressed that they, too, have heard several reports from constituents.

One thing that I envision our Personnel Committee taking a look at in our comprehensive review of the Robertson County Employee Handbook, is the usage of automobiles supplied to various departments.

2011.4.14 Budget Committee Meeting

Last Thursday, the RCC Budget Committee re-convened after their meeting of Thursday, April 7, 2011. The April 7, 2011 meeting was continued.

A tentative 2011 Budget was introduced at the previous meeting. The tentative budget sparked a heated discussion by those Robertson County Government Department Heads that were in attendance. This discussion was due to the proposed cuts and a deviation from the “old process.”

Now, as of this second meeting, the “old process” will be implemented. Under the “old process,” Department Heads personally meet with the Robertson County Finance Director Jody Stewart wherein they will generate their proposed budget. After doing so, their budget will be submitted to the Budget Committee for consideration. This apparently was part of what sparked the heated discussion, because this proposal was a deviation from the “old process.” Candidly, I am not a proponent of the “old process” for there is little, if any, proactive participation by the commission in the formation of respective budgets.

Regardless of the process, it is going to be a difficult year.

County-by-County: Comparing the Property Tax Rates

Many of you have asked me just what the tax rates are for our surrounding counties.

Of course, this question was sparked by the recent story in the Robertson County Times discussing the possible property tax increase.

The numbers I pulled below are the “base” property tax rates. I say “base” because they do not represent the entire tax rate. Municipalities within the respective counties have additional taxes on top of the respective county taxes. Some counties, such as Cheatam County have additional taxes for fire districts. I have not included those for comparison since it is hard to compare based on those separate taxes.

If you would like to investigate further, please follow this link to the Tennessee Comptroller of the Treasury – Division of Property Assessment. A link can be found here: 2010 PROPERTY TAX RATES:

County                      Property Tax Rate

North Middle Tennessee

Cheatam County              $              2.78                       

Sumner                               $             2.02.08 

Robertson                           $              2.61

Dickson                                $              2.85

Montgomery                     $              2.88

Trousdale                            $              3.00

Wilson                                 $              2.4327

Middle/Southern Middle Tennessee

Davidson                             $              3.56

Rutherford                         $              2.4652

Maury                                   $              2.59

Williamson                        $              2.26

Marshall                              $              3.09

Bedford                               $              2.27

Meigs County: 10 Commandments

A bold endeavor by Meigs County.

Interesting, considering what the Robertson County Commission voted on just a few short weeks ago.

Yet, it is also interesting since this is reported on by the Chattanooga Times Free Press – Hamilton County - Note the shaded blue box attached to the story.

County Government Day

I just wanted to pass along a note on ‘County Government Day’ in the General Assembly. Here is a little information for those interested (from the TCSA):

An estimated 500 delegates have already registered to attend this year’s COAT-TCSA County Government Day on April 19-20 at the Nashville Sheraton Downtown.

The annual meeting provides members of both the County Officials Association of Tennessee (COAT) and the Tennessee County Services Association (TCSA) and their affiliate organizations an opportunity to gather to hear from legislators and others about pending legislation affecting county governments statewide. With board and membership meetings for all the associations and their partner organizations, County Government Day will include a breakfast to honor members of the 107th General Assembly as well as a training opportunity on the pressing issue of business/industrial retention and expansion. Tuesday, April 19, is primarily a day for board and membership meetings. In the evening, no conference events are planned. However, delegates are urged to contact their senators and representatives to set up meetings. A tentative agenda is on Page 8 of this issue of Tennessee County News. Then on Wednesday, April 20, the day kicks off with an annual breakfast honoring members of the legislature. Keynote speakers, invited to the conference, include Gov. Bill Haslam, Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey and House Speaker Beth Harwell.

The University of Tennessee County Technical Assistance Service will deliver a two-hour workshop entitled “Business Retention and Expansion” from 10 a.m. to 12 noon. Attendees, who must be registered delegates to the COAT-TCSA conference, will receive two hours of credit through the County Officials Certificate Training Program. Those county officials wanting to attend the conference should register through the two-step process.

March: State Tax Revenues

A report on March state tax revenues.

Encouraging for Tennessee’s economy:

NASHVILLE - Tennessee revenue collections for March continued to exceed the budgeted expectations. Finance and Administration Commissioner Mark Emkes today announced that overall March revenues were $815.5 million, which is $9.5 million more than the state budgeted. It marks the eighth consecutive positive growth month for this fiscal year.

This is “encouraging” for what it means for our state economy.

What does $.74 actually mean?

I am sure that many of you saw this story in the Robertson County Times (RCT) this past week.

 This is sobering.

Robertson County taxpayers could be looking at $9,278,000, or a 74-cent increase in property taxes to balance the 2011/2012 county budget. This reality was absorbed by the county budget committee at its meeting last week as members met to begin considering a workable budget for the coming fiscal year.

Their task must take into consideration the debt service needs of schools, highways and the general fund, which total more than $17 million altogether.

Broken down, county schools have the highest proportion of debt, with $12.1 million required to pay for recent school construction. The recently completed county jail’s cost is reflected in the $4.1 million general fund debt, and county highways require servicing a debt of $807,100.

In all, committee members have little option but to require the revenue increase from taxpayers, or find ways, with the help of county department heads, to pare back on operational and equipment expenses in order to alleviate the 74-cent sticker-shock.

This is the portion that I would like to highlight. Many times you here those close to county government articulate this in “government-speak” what the number of “pennies” actually means. Of course, it is an easy way to speak of the issue from commissioner-to-commissioner; yet, many folks do not know what the bottom line means for them. This story breaks that down for those outside of government.

According to Robertson County Finance Director Jody Stewart, that 74 cents translates into an approximate $185 tax increase for an average $100,000 home, or a 28 percent increase. The current tax for Robertson County rate is $2.61 per $100 of assessed value. If increased by 74 cents, the Robertson County taxpayers would be paying $3.35 per $100.

In the coming weeks, I hope to illustrate to you a county-by-county analysis of property tax rates to dispel some rumors.

Committee members will convene again this week, as they will for the next several months, as they grapple with the combined realities of climbing expenses versus revenue in their task of crafting a workable budget to present to the full commission.

Comptroller's Report: Stolen County Money

Here is a disturbing report from Tom Humphrey from his Knoxville News blog.

More than $700,000 of taxpayer money was stolen from county governments across Tennessee during the fiscal year that ended June 30, 2010.

The Week of April 18, 2011

Also, do not forget that the Robertson County Commission agenda can be found here at the Robertson County website.

MEETINGS SCHEDULED WEEK OF:

April 18 - 22, 2011

Date & Committee/Board           Time                    Location

Monday - April 18

Animal Control                                   6:00 P.M.                    Juvenile Courtroom

Building and Grounds                          6:30 P.M.                    Juvenile Courtroom

Nominating                                         6:30 P.M.                    Juvenile Courtroom

County Commission                            7:00 P.M.                    Juvenile Courtroom                                                                                                    

Tuesday - April 19

911 Board                                           9:00 A.M.                    ECC Building

Health and Safety Board                      5:30 P.M.                     Finance Office

Wednesday - April 20

RTA                                                    10:00 A.M.                  400 Charlotte, Nashville

GNRC                                                 11:00 A.M.                  400 Charlotte, Nashville

Thursday - April 21

Open

           

Friday - April 22

HOLIDAY: Good Friday

Robertson County Schools: "Table of Contents"

In this post, I just wanted to give reference to all of the “Robertson County Schools” posts I have put together or come across in the past couple of weeks.

I thought this may be helpful to folks if you would like to forward this along to those who would like to take part in this discussion, and to see all of the discussion this topic has generated in the past several weeks.

           Robertson County Schools: By the Numbers – This is the post that kicked off much of the discussion. It delves into the number of “economically disadvantaged” children per school.

Robertson County Schools: By the Numbers: UPDATED – This is really a follow-up post to the original, but here I hope to illustrate the correlations between the economically disadvantaged, and the actual school’s grades.  

            UPDATED – Robertson County Schools: By the Numbers – Q&A – In this post, I have tried to answer each and every comment/question as they have come up via e-mail and/or comment.

        
 Joint Meeting: Robertson County Board of Education & Springfield Board of Mayor & Aldermen – April 12^th -   The details of the letter sent from the City of Springfield.

           Robertson County Times – “Springfield Demands Better Schools”

           Robertson County Schools: My Interview with NewsChannel5 – This piece covers the discussion as it unfolded.

I look forward to the continued discussion on this topic.

Thank all of you for your feedback and support these past two weeks! The support has been humbling, and the feedback has been wonderful.

The Week of April 11, 2011

Also, do not forget the Joint Meeting between the School Board and the City of Springfield. That meeting will be at Springfield City Hall on Tuesday evening. (for more information, see my post here)

Though not noted, I believe that the Budget Committee meeting has been continued to this Thursday. If that is so, these meetings are customarily at 5:00pm.

MEETINGS SCHEDULED WEEK OF:

April 11 - 15, 2011

Date & Committee/Board                 Time                            Location

Monday – April 11

EMS                                                     5:00 P.M.                    EMS Building

Education                                            6:00 P.M.                    Central Office

School Board                                       7:00 P.M.                    Central Office                                                          

Tuesday - April 12

Airport                                                 8:00 A.M.                   Airport

Law Enforcement/Workhouse           5:00 P.M.                    Jail

Personnel                                            5:00 P.M.                   Finance Office

Solid Waste                                         6:00 P.M.                   County Office Building

Wednesday - April 13

Open

Thursday - April 14

Open         

Friday - April 15

Open

Robertson County Schools: By the Numbers: FOLLOW-UP

This is a follow-up post to my “Robertson County Schools: By the Numbers.”

Here, I hope to show you figures that will demonstrate what I believe to be a correlation between “economically disadvantaged” and their respective ‘grades.’

Their grades are derived from the 2010 Tennessee Department of Education – Report Cards:

Elementary Schools –

Elementary Schools	Cheatham Park	Westside	Krisle	Jo Byrns	Greenbrier	Watauga	East Robertson	Coopertown	Woodall	County	State
Math	D	D	D	C	B	B	C	C	B	C	C
Reading / Language	D	D	C	C	B	B	B	B	B	B	B
Social Studies	D	D	D	C	B	B	B	C	B	C	C
Science	D	F	D	C	B	B	B	C	B	C	C
Writing: 5th Grade	A	B	A	B	A	A	A	A	A	A	A

Note, of course, that Cheatham Park and Westside are both schools within the City of Springfield.

Middle Schools –

Middle Schools	Springfield	Greenrbrier	Coopertown	East Robertson	Jo Byrns	Heritage				County	State
Math	D	B	B	C	C	B				C	C
Reading / Language	F	B	B	B	C	A				C	C
Social Studies	D	A	A	B	B	B				B	B
Science	F	B	A	C	D	B				C	C
Writing: 8th Grade	A	A	A	A	A	A				A	A

High Schools –

High Schools	Springfield	Greenrbrier	East Robertson	Jo Byrns	Heritage					County	State
Writing 11th Grade	A	A	A	A	A					A	A
ACT Composite Score	18.5	19.5	18.3	18.4	19.9					19.9	19.6
English	18.3	19.9	17.7	17.8	20.2					18.9	19.4
Math	17.9	18.3	18.4	18.1	18.4					18.2	19
Reading	18.6	19.9	18.6	18.6	20.7					19.3	19.9
Science	18.8	19.5	18.1	18.7	19.8					19	19.6

Again, I do not want to get on a soapbox about this issue. What I hope to point out is that there is a substantial issue here.

A side item to take from all of these numbers being discussed, but an item that I wish would become the point I am trying to make overall: Maybe I am just different. Maybe, as some has said, I am naïve.

But, maybe, just maybe we have a diamond in the rough here in Robertson County.  

How?

Just look at our county scores. Then, look at the state scores. We are close, if not, at the average school system!

Imagine if we figured out what to do with to fix the problems within the schools within the City of Springfield.

That is the point I am trying to make with all of this. I am not advocating for any radical solution, I do not pretend to be smart enough to know all of the answers to come up with some solution, but what I will say is that we are as strong as our weakest link, and these numbers definitively demonstrate to that end.

If our good leadership, our good teachers and administrators have gotten us this far – imagine what could be done when we fix this problem.

We would not need to allocate so many resources to one district.

We would not need to send our best and brightest administrators to one district.

These resources and these good folks could be sent back out and throughout the county.

Folks, all I would ask is that you not jump to conclusions here and let’s figure this one out.